Legislature Briefs

Apr. 17, 2013

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From Register staff

Driver training bill goes to governor

Young drivers would be required to complete a full year of driver training with an instructional permit before receiving their intermediate licenses under legislation approved Wednesday in the Iowa House.

Intermediate-license holders would also be limited in the number of passengers who could ride with them for the first six months that they have their licenses.

Bill sponsor Rep. Josh Byrnes, R-Osage, said the legislation would improve safety for young drivers and guarantee they’d have winter driving experience before getting an intermediate license.

The measure passed 87-9 in the House after passing 41-8 in the Senate. Senate File 115 now goes to Gov. Terry Branstad, who could sign it into law. If approved, the requirements would take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

Committee OKs bill to expand ATV areas

All-terrain vehicles could be legally operated on Iowa’s secondary roads under a measure passed Wednesday by the Senate Transportation Committee.

All-terrain vehicles are currently not allowed on Iowa’s roads except under limited circumstances. The legislation would permit registered ATVs to be ridden on county roads and in cities where authorized by ordinance.

Sen. Tod Bowman, D-Maquoketa, said the legislation is aimed at bolstering Iowa tourism by giving ATV enthusiasts opportunities to ride from one trail riding area to another.

The bill has already passed the House, but it must still be considered by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Debate is expected on the Senate floor next week.

Administration bill passes in Senate

A $56 million spending bill for state administration and regulation was approved by the Senate, although the final figures will be determined in a House-Senate conference committee.

The legislation includes $2.3 million in state general fund money and 22 positions for the governor and lieutenant governor’s office and the Terrace Hill residence. This is an increase of $1,500 and a decrease of three positions. The bill also provides $450,000 and three positions for a new Iowa Public Information Board.

For the Iowa secretary of state’s office, the bill appropriates $2.8 million from the general fund and 29 positions. This is a decrease of $99,000 and two positions.

Party-line vote OKs justice system bill

The Senate passed a $560 million justice system appropriations bill to run the Department of Corrections, Department of Public Safety, Civil Rights Commission and several other state agencies. The vote was 26-23 with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed.

Lawmakers said the measure provides money to keep open the Fort Madison penitentiary’s Clinical Care Unit and the Luster Heights prison camp in northeast Iowa, both of which Gov. Terry Branstad wants to close.

The measure would also provide money to open new prison facilities at Fort Madison and Mitchellville.